Heavenly Lasagna alla Bolognese for Cozy Nights In

Experience the rich layers of Lasagna alla Bolognese, a comforting Italian classic perfect for cozy nights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Cooling Time 15

Total Time 2

Course Easy Dinners

Cuisine Italian

Servings slices

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

large heavy-bottomed pan
saucepan
baking dish
whisk

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

2 tablespoons Olive oil Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.
2 tablespoons Butter Brings a creamy depth to the meat sauce.
1 medium Onion Provides a sweet base flavor when sautéed.
2 medium Carrots Adds natural sweetness and color to the sauce.
2 stalks Celery Enhances the flavor depth of the sauce with its aromatic qualities.
1 pound Ground beef Offers a hearty, satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with pork.
1 pound Ground pork Balances the beef with its natural sweetness.
1 cup Red wine Infuses the sauce with a robust flavor.
28 ounces Canned tomatoes (crushed) Gives the sauce body and a rich tomato taste.
2 teaspoons Salt Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
1 teaspoon Black pepper Adds a spicy kick to the overall flavor.

For the Béchamel Sauce

4 tablespoons Butter Essential for making a creamy roux as the béchamel base.
2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the béchamel sauce for a velvety consistency.
2 cups Milk Creates a rich and smooth sauce; using whole milk is recommended for creaminess.

For Assembly

12 sheets Lasagna noodles The classic base that holds everything together; no-boil noodles can save time!
8 ounces Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced) Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture to each layer.
1 cup Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Finishes the dish with a salty, savory note; feel free to substitute with any hard cheese.
2 cups Béchamel sauce Adds luxurious creaminess between layers.

Instructions

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Add the ground beef and ground pork to the pan. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, breaking the meat into smaller pieces until it’s browned.
Pour in the red wine, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reduces by half.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the milk.
In your greased baking dish, start with a layer of meat sauce, followed by a dollop of béchamel and then a layer of lasagna noodles. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel and mozzarella.
Sprinkle the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese generously over the final layer of mozzarella.
Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Once baked, remove the lasagna and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Lasagna is a great dish to prepare in advance. Assemble it the day before and let it sit in the fridge to meld the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 20mg

Keyword Classic Recipe, comfort food, family meals, homemade lasagna, Italian Dinner, Lasagna alla Bolognese

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